What Came Next

Mr. Peters hung up, and without a word, he gestured for me to follow him to the back room. The café’s cheerful hum faded as his urgency cut through the air. “It’s about the couple,” he said quietly, his voice steady but heavy.

“I filed a complaint with the authorities and just got an update.” He paused, his eyes meeting mine, searching for something—calm, determination, maybe both. “We need to discuss this in private.” My heart raced as I followed him, the lively café noise muffled behind the door. Dread and anticipation mingled in my chest, bracing me for whatever revelation was about to come.